Mercedes Benz

Janis Joplin

I'd like to do a song
Of great social and political import
It goes like this

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?
Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me
I wait for delivery each day until three
So oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town?
I'm counting on you, Lord, please don't let me down
Prove that you love me and buy the next round
Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town?

Everybody!
Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?
My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends
Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends
So oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

That's it!


Lyrics submitted by Balthasar

Mercedes Benz Lyrics as written by Janis Joplin Bob Neuwirth

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Royalty Network

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Mercedes Benz song meanings
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30 Comments

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  • +2
    General CommentJanis is strongly sarcastic when says in the begining "I want to do a song of great social and political import". This song is about society's superficial values and materialistic people, what were very questioned in sixties.
    Júlio Ramaleon May 06, 2003   Link
  • +2
    General CommentAm I crazy or would Jack White do a brilliant cover of this song?
    turquoiseumbrellaon March 03, 2005   Link
  • +2
    General Commentthe title is ironic in fact the song drips with sarcasm and ironyy. Janis Joplin is critisizing people who use prayer to ask for personal gain. She came from a repressive religious childhood leaving her with depression probably setting her on the path to rebelion trhough drug misuse and unfortunaely an early death.
    shehatemeon May 31, 2006   Link
  • +2
    General CommentShe is making fun of the materialistic desires of the majority of society. Our infatuation with spiffy cars, fancy meals and drinks, as well as high-tech gadgets. This world is full of greedy bastards.
    brighteyes602on January 02, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI think Janis is spoofing on people who pray for material luxuries.

    Prayer is supposed to be deeply spiritual. But here in the USA, we have ranting, raving, televangelists who tell us that if we give them enough money, god will reward us financially. It's shameful, and it really is a joke.
    walterbyrdon March 01, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General CommentClassic song -ya gotta love it
    VintageCutieon June 03, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentgreat song.
    So_Impossibleon August 04, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentyea when it comes on in the morniung while im in the shower i just gotta laugh cause she puts so much cheer and old folk into it.. even though it aint one of her best she still does it great and in opinion i think joplin was the break through for female rockers every where.... the best part of mercedes benz is when she gives a little chuckle at the end
    CoNjOutsidersLsSmon March 04, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Commentthis song is symbolic. joplin is saying how she's worked hard all her life and hasnt had much of a break. she wants to experience the pleasures life has to offer, like so many others already do. she wants to be carefree and happy.
    carbson March 18, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI love this song :D It's one of those you just have to like...you know?
    Janis is one of my biggest heros, very inspiring. And I strongly agree with that CoNjOutsidersLsSm...that she "was the break through for female rockers every where...." Where would be without her? At least i admire her a lot for what she did and her ideas =D
    Hringlaron February 03, 2005   Link

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